How people with epilepsy cope with pregnancy

  The relationship between pregnancy and seizures is complex because pregnancy itself can have an impact on seizures and, conversely, seizures and the use of antiepileptic drugs can have a detrimental effect on the pregnant woman and her fetus. The main effects of epilepsy on pregnant women are increased complications of pregnancy, which are twice as common as in the general population, and effects on the fetus, which can lead to increased fetal comorbidities. The incidence of pediatric malformations in women with epilepsy is approximately 4-8%, which is 2-3 times higher than in non-epileptic individuals . Seizures themselves can also lead to fetal malformations, mainly due to fetal hypoxia or injury caused by seizures, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy when seizures are continuous. Seizures and the use of antiepileptic drugs can have many consequences for the pregnant woman and her fetus.  The pros and cons of some issues such as how to use antiepileptic drugs in pregnant women should be fully weighed, preferably under the guidance of a physician. If you need to use antiepileptic drugs to control seizures during pregnancy, it is best to choose a single drug and small dose treatment according to the type of seizure, and try to use the lowest and effective drug dose.  (2) Avoid multi-drug combination therapy during pregnancy, especially avoid the combination of phenobarbital, sodium valproate and carbamazepine. It is better to divide the daily dose into 3-4 doses or use extended-release tablets to avoid excessive drug concentration in the body.  ③ It is advisable to monitor the blood concentration during pregnancy, which should be done every 3 months.  ④Take 0.4-4mg of folic acid daily before pregnancy and during the first 3 months of pregnancy to avoid the occurrence of fetal malformations.  ⑤ Enhance the health check during pregnancy and have an ultrasound examination and methemoglobin measurement during the 15th-20th weeks of pregnancy (3.5-4.5 months of pregnancy) to detect problems as early as possible and take necessary measures.